Dame Emily Park

Named after one of the last members of the Smyth family, which provided the land, this park is a peaceful, shady retreat in the middle of busy Bedminster.

Visitor Information

Location

Dame Emily Park is situated at Dean Lane, Bedminster, BS3.

Accessibility

Dame Emily Park is slightly sloping, but wheelchair accessible with paths.

Opening hours

Dame Emily Park is open all year round.

Events

To find out what is happening in the park, visit What's On  

See Parks and open spaces events if you are interested in organising an event in Bristol's parks and open spaces.

Visitor Facilities

• dog-free playground for the under 10s has been established together with an zip-wire (rope slide) for older children
• wheels park
• five-a-side football
• basketball court
• graffity wall
• Deane Lane Swimming Pool
• community garden

History

The park was established on the site of the Dean Lane coal mine, part of the North Somerset coalfield. The Dean Lane pit closed in 1906 and the land was transferred to Bristol City Council who opened the park in 1909. Like much of Bedminster, the mines belonged to the Smyth family who were based at Ashton Court Estate. The family developed mining and other industries in the area but also gave substantial amounts of their estate to the city for use as parks and green spaces, often as a response to social and environmental conditions. The park was named after Dame Emily Smyth who was a family member. The site of the main pit head can be clearly seen under a large concrete cap in the middle of the park.

Nature and Wildlife

The park is planted with trees and shrubs. The Dame Emily Park Project has installed bird boxes in many trees in the park.  

See Wildlife for more information on wildlife in Bristol.

Community Engagement

The Dame Emily Park Project was started in 1998 by local people to improve the facilities at the park. The park now has a grassed area, dog-free area, new play equipment and improvements to the wheels area. These improvements reflect a strong partnership between Bristol Parks and local residents.

The Dame Emily Park Project can be contacted via the Southville Centre on 0117 9231039. Please leave your contact details and they will get in touch with.